Joint activities

The overall goal of the project is to improve the living standards of the rural population through the integrated management of water resources in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has the largest irrigated area and the largest population in Central Asia, and is considered the most limited in terms of water supply. About 20% of the total water resources are formed inside the country. Water is one of the most vital and essential resources for the sustainable development of Uzbekistan, as 98% of agricultural products are grown on irrigated lands. One of the factors hindering the development of Uzbekistan is the increase in the population, the increase in the demand for water, and the increasing shortage of water resources due to climate change. In order to solve the problem of water scarcity and to use the available water resources more efficiently, the new government has started implementing reforms in the fields of agriculture and water management. In addition, the government recently introduced a number of subsidies to encourage the widespread adoption of drip irrigation and other water-saving technologies. The promotion of the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach is the basis for the participation of the IWDA in the water management sector of Central Asia. The project's operational strategy in Uzbekistan supports the ongoing reforms in the water sector and provides an opportunity to introduce the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IRRM) at the national policy level through the direct exchange of knowledge and best practices with the Government of Uzbekistan and major stakeholders in the water sector. The project was developed in accordance with the Swiss strategy for the Central Asia region 2017-2021, and aims to achieve the following two final results: Final result 1: The Ministry of Water Resources implements a comprehensive strategic-normative framework based on SRIB principles. Outcome 2: Farmers and water management organizations use water efficiently and sustainably. Accordingly, during the implementation of Phase II, the following relevant intermediate results are expected to be achieved: • A strategic and legislative framework based on SRIB principles will be developed and approved. • ATRM is empowered to participate as a driving force for the implementation of a regulatory framework based on SRIB principles. • An integrated national water management information-management system will be introduced. • TIBs are the link between the state support system and water consumers. • A water use planning system will be created as the main tool for implementing SRIB and will be integrated into the National Water Management Information System. • The collector-drainage information system is considered a part of the national water management information system. • Local technical capabilities will be created for water management organizations and farmers to introduce water-saving technologies. • Farmers use water-saving technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of water resources. The project supports water sector reforms by developing a SRIB-based strategic regulatory framework that ensures equitable distribution of water resources among all users. This will allow the Ministry of Water Management to effectively manage water resources, increase water productivity and improve the living conditions of rural residents. The project is based on the introduction of information and communication technologies into the daily activities of the Ministry of Water Economy, Irrigation Systems Basin Management, District Irrigation Departments, Water Consumer Associations and farmers, creating favorable conditions for them to acquire the necessary knowledge, collect information and exchange information in real time. The direct partners of the project are the Ministry of Water Economy and the Information-Analytical and Resource Center under it. International Fund to Save the Island The International Fund to Save the Island implements the implementation of projects in the Aral Sea basin and the GEF agency, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Water Management, implements Phase II.

The Center for Sustainable Development of the Water Sector, in partnership with SDC, World Bank, ADB, UNDP, GIZ and other development partners, regularly organizes international applied conferences, technical seminars and professional training sessions.